Pilatus Hands Over PC-24 to Former Nestlé Chief

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the former chairman and CEO of the Nestlé Group, accepted the keys to PC-24 S/N 104 on May 22, marking the fourth customer delivery—and the first in Europe—of the new Pilatus jet. Portsmouth, New Hampshire-based PlaneSense received the first one in early February, while Pilatus Aircraft dealer Western Aircraft of Boise, Idaho, accepted the second PC-24 last month. Pilatus’s U.S. subsidiary in Broomfield, Colorado, took possession of the third PC-24 at the beginning of this month.

Brabeck-Letmathe, a pilot who has logged more than 3,000 hours, purchased the PC-24 for his company, Brabair. Under this structure, the twinjet, along with Brabeck-Letmathe’s existing PC-12NG turboprop single, will be available in Europe to members of Flying Club 24, a new aircraft membership firm based in Sion, Switzerland.

The company’s Swiss-made jet will carry seven passengers, and Brabeck-Letmathe said its large cargo door will allow for easier loading and unloading for larger luggage and bulky cargo. In addition, the PC-24’s short takeoff and landing capabilities allow the jet to operate at most airports throughout Europe. Pilatus also intends to obtain approval for the aircraft to operate on unpaved runways.